[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15661]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         BEATRIZ RIVAS ROGALSKI

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to salute my Deputy Chief of 
Staff, Beatriz (Bea) Rivas Rogalski, on the occasion of her upcoming 
retirement after 25 years of distinguished service to the people of the 
United States. As director of casework in my House and Senate offices 
for more than 16 years, she has helped literally thousands of 
Californians get the timely assistance they need from their federal 
government. As Deputy Chief of Staff, she is beloved by staff members 
and constituents alike.
  Bea began her public service as I did, in the office of then-
Congressman John Burton. In 1974, Bea Rivas was a recent immigrant from 
El Salvador. While working at Macy's department store in San Francisco, 
she took a second part-time job to help support her mother.
  Bea went to work in John Burton's campaign office on a temporary 
basis as a key-punch operator. Given a six-month project, Bea completed 
it in two months. Following the election, she went to work as a staff 
assistant in Congressman Burton's district office, answering phones and 
tracking bills. Her diligence and demeanor quickly impressed her 
supervisors, who promoted her to case worker.
  It was a perfect fit. She quickly learned the most arcane workings of 
government and did her utmost to help constituents negotiate the shoals 
of bureaucracy.
  Bea has what it takes to help people get their due from their 
government. She is kind, considerate, generous, and above all patient. 
I cannot overstate how she always listens carefully, always acts 
diligently, always goes the extra mile to take care of constituents' 
needs. She is incomparable and irrepressible. She will also be 
irreplaceable.
  Mr. President, by serving the people of California so well, Beatriz 
Rogalski has brought honor on this institution and the United States 
Government. I hope you will join me in thanking her and sending best 
wishes to her, her husband Hans Rogalski, and their son Hans, 
Jr.

                          ____________________